In 2014, the German Weather Service (DWD) began gradually converting its existing satellite data processing chain from proprietary CineSat software to a modern processing chain based on the open-source software Pytroll, implemented in Python. The software was customized to the DWD's specific requirements in order to process the desired data and generate the required products. In addition, corrections for sun position and atmosphere were implemented, as well as the calculation of special RGB products from multiple input channels. The goal was to replace the processing chain with CineSat in order to save costs in the long term.
After the first version of the new chain was put into operation, EBP supported the DWD in maintaining operational readiness within the framework of a maintenance and service contract in the following years. The software was regularly updated to reflect the latest developments at Pytroll and expanded to include additional functionality. In 2019, for example, data processing for polar-orbiting satellites was added to the previous support for geostationary satellites in order to provide the research vessel “Polarstern” with up-to-date ice charts as part of the MOSAIC expedition.
